Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Take a 2 hour, 30 minute cruise down the great Mississippi River aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen. Enjoy a narrated tour with a licensed historian describing 300-years of New Orleans history; from the founding of the city by the LeMoyne Brothers to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. During your cruise the vessel will dock at Chalmette Battlefield for a 1-hour excursion. Enjoy a guided tour and talk by a National Park Ranger about the battle of New Orleans, while taking in the sweet breeze and delicate waves along the river. Delight in a cash bar and/or a satisfying Creole lunch option available on the boat while viewing the famous French Quarter and Port of New Orleans from the river .
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
No outside food or beverages are allowed on board.
Bags are checked before boarding the vessel to ensure safety during the cruise.
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If altered or canceled due to poor weather, cruise may remain dockside in the event of unfavorable sailing conditions.
Due to limited capacity, refund requests made less than 24 hours prior to departure will NOT be considered. This includes missing the attraction for any reason. However, your ticket is transferable and valid for up to one year.
The Creole Paddlewheeler is Wheelchair accessible with a weight-restricted mechanical lift. However, the Chalmette Battlefield Park is not wheelchair accessible for handicap passengers at this time.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local guide
All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board
1-Hour at Battlefield
Gratuities
Alcohol (Cash Bar)
What To Expect
Chalmette Battlefield
Disembark at the site of the 1815 Battle of New Orleans at the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where you can tour the Chalmette Battlefield including the Malus-Beauregard House and the Chalmette Monument before re-boarding for the return cruise.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Chalmette Battlefield is located in the Jean Lafitte National Park, making it an exciting and special addition to your river cruise!
Options
Historic Cruise (No Meal)
Enjoy an interesting yet relaxing cruise and a stop at the battlefield of New Orleans
Historic Cruise (Meal)
Enjoy an interesting yet relaxing cruise with a delicious Creole-styled lunch and a stop at the Battlefield of New Orleans
Reviews
1,886 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A very entertaining and...
Anjanette H,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A very entertaining and interesting historic riverboat cruise. Our narrator, Charles, did a fantastic job!
Creole Queen Cruise
R6259RIsusans,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time traveling on the Mississippi River. Charles was the narrator and did an excellent job. He told you about the history of the area as well as the things along the river. We stopped at the site of a battle between Andrew Jackson and his force of men, made up of pirates, volunteers, and a few actual soldiers, and the British Army in 1814. Charles makes it very interesting and totally keeps your attention as he explains how the battle took place. On the return trip up the river, Charles discussed Hurricane Katrina and the damage New Orleans suffered. I highly recommend this tour.
Fun experience
ceciliae739,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00I recommend this swamp tour, I liked the fact that the price includes transportation from New Orleans to the place where the airboats ride starts. Captain Larry was knowledgeable and entertaining. The only disappointment was that we couldn’t see a village inside the Bayou, with this tour.
Disappointed
Todd R,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The boat ride was nice on the River. The narration/commentary was overblown and somewhat melodramatic. Our guide talked way too much about Hurricane Katrina and not enough about the early history of New Orleans. Too much time on a National site when the government shutdown taking place. The park center was closed. It would have been nice to tour the river more. Our guide talked way too much about his family and their trials with the hurricane. Would we recommend this excursion…probably not this one. Take the Natchez which gave a better value
Fun trip
yvonnej v,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a fun time, good food and friendly atmosphere. The person who explained the history was knowledgeable and made it very interesting
Fun on the River
Kimberly S,
Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00The Historian Charles made the whole experience great. The food was not good , mostly rice. People were friendly!
The person doing the...
CAROL P,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The person doing the commentary during the trip was amazing, with a strong knowledge of history and the impact of Katrina on New Orleans. He was very entertaining as well.
Good except your guide rude
maggiemarley42,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Really enjoyed the cruise well organised lovely crew especially the girl on the bar on lower level With the exception of Charles the guide of the tour who was very condescending towards the British I would suggest he refrains from being so smug sounding about a war that was hundreds of years ago All good otherwise and clean ship
Enjoy the Creole Queen Cruise
223bettim,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a fun time. Charlie Chestnut was the narrator and the man is very entertaining. So much fun traveling the Mississippi River. And the history was so interesting. They let you out and you get to stand on an actual battle field. Charlie Chestnut then explains in detail the history of the battle field. Fascinating. A worth it experience on the Creole Queen!!
The narrations on board...
Bolaji A,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The narrations on board and at the battlefield were top notch. Both factual and entertaining. The lunch was subpar though.
Related Experiences
Operated by New Orleans Paddlewheels Inc.